Development Assistant, Principal Gifts

Harvarduniversity; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Development Assistant to support front-line gift officers within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences development team. This full‑time role advances philanthropy and offers exposure to alumni affairs and development in a premier university setting.

The position emphasizes data management, report generation, and coordination of materials for meetings and events, with a focus on accuracy and professional communication.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of related experience (education may count toward experience).
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Supports fundraising prospect management including data gathering, input, and reporting.
• Prepares meeting and solicitation materials for prospect meetings and post‑meeting actions.
• Keeps donor databases accurate; researches prospects and generates reports.
• Collaborates with gift officers to write event bios and donor briefings.
• Maintains reports on gift totals and solicitation status; uses Advance and QlikView for lists and insights.
• Coordinates travel, meetings, and expense reports; provides stakeholder service.
• Engages with alumni and donors domestically and internationally with guidance from manager.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Advance

QlikView

Job description

Job Summary

The Development Assistant is an integral member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) development team. This full-time non-exempt position supports frontline gift officers to advance the philanthropic mission of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in building their career within higher education and learn more about alumni affairs and development.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Provides support to all aspects of fundraisers' prospect management, including data gathering, input and maintenance; drafting prospect outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports.
• Develops and prepares necessary meeting and solicitation materials prior to prospect meetings and supports post‑meeting action items.
• Achieves proficiency in the alumni/donor database to research prospects, organize data and produce reports. Enters data in an accurate and timely manner.
• Partners with gift officers and Development Coordinators to write high quality event briefings, event bios, and donor briefings.
• Maintains various reports to ensure accurate and current information on gift and donor totals, solicitation status, and prospects. Produces reports and lists using the Advance and Qlikview databases.
• Coordinates officers' travel and expense reports in a timely manner; schedules meetings and maintains calendars; takes and distributes meeting notes and performs other administrative responsibilities as needed.
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders such as donors and/or alumni both domestically and internationally with guidance from manager.
• Cultivates favorable relationships and works closely throughout the year with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development to help accomplish department and team goals.
• May help facilitate communications with various FAS constituents from the officers.
• Serves as a resource for policies, protocols and procedures and strategizes ways for fundraising efforts to be more efficient and productive.
• May be asked to provide additional support for the broader Major Gifts team and FAS Development during times of peak activity or staff transition. Works closely with other members of the support team to advance the goals of the department.
• Participates in various team and staff meetings throughout the year and is an engaged member of the team.
• Provides other job‑related duties as required.

Working Conditions

Workplace role requirements outside of campus‑based engagements required by AA&D/team or unit, such as reunion activities, retreats, etc. You will be expected to work at certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA. We will do our best to give you up to 2 weeks' notice of these situations.

Basic Qualifications

• 1-2 years of related experience (education may count toward experience).
• Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management, mail merges, and report generation.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Available to work additional evening hours if necessary.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• College degree from an accredited institution strongly preferred.
• Must be focused, motivated to learn, and flexible to change. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, understand and follow policies and procedures, and accommodate change. Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• The position requires good judgement, rigorous attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion.
• Must be highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to work competently and efficiently in a multi‑task environment.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Requires the ability to accurately proofread and edit correspondence.
• Strong interpersonal skills that include excellent phone manner and personal presentation. Experience interacting with corporate executives and senior‑level staff preferred. Knowledge of fundraising in a non‑profit setting helpful.

Orientation and Review Period

3 months

Standard Hours/Schedule

35 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre‑Employment Screening

Identity

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed